The blockchain and cryptocurrency sector witnessed a surge in investment activity during the week of June 23–29, 2025, with 16 publicly disclosed funding events collectively raising approximately $1.005 billion. According to data compiled by RootData, the capital influx was primarily concentrated in DeFi, gaming, and infrastructure projects, signaling strong institutional and venture confidence in the next phase of Web3 development.
This week’s funding landscape highlights growing interest in scalable DeFi solutions, institutional-grade derivatives platforms, and blockchain-based entertainment ecosystems. Notable deals include multi-million-dollar rounds for emerging decentralized exchanges, AI-integrated financial platforms, and privacy-focused enterprise blockchain networks.
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DeFi Innovation Drives Major Investment
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) remained the dominant sector for investment, accounting for several high-profile funding rounds. Investors are increasingly backing projects that bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-native solutions—especially those offering improved speed, security, and institutional accessibility.
Sphinx: Building a Permissioned L1 for Energy Derivatives
Sphinx, a chain-based derivatives trading platform, raised $2 million in a Pre-Seed round led by Eckhardt Capital. The project is developing a permissioned Layer 1 blockchain tailored for energy commodity derivatives, enabling futures and perpetual contracts for oil, gas, and other physical commodities.
With participation from Big Brain Holdings, Blockchain Founders Fund, Blizzard, TRIVE Ventures, and notable individuals like Andrew Durgee and Stefan Rust, Sphinx aims to launch its mainnet and expand partnerships with institutional players in the energy trading space.
This dual focus on real-world assets (RWAs) and regulated market infrastructure positions Sphinx at the intersection of traditional commodities markets and blockchain innovation.
GTE: High-Speed DEX on MegaETH Attracts Paradigm’s $15M Bet
GTE, a decentralized exchange built on the MegaETH blockchain, secured $15 million in an A-round financing led exclusively by Paradigm, one of the most influential crypto venture firms. The platform leverages a centralized limit order book (CLOB) model while maintaining full decentralization—a hybrid approach designed to eliminate trust issues associated with centralized exchanges while overcoming latency and cost inefficiencies of traditional DEXs.
GTE claims its transaction speed matches that of major centralized platforms like Binance and Coinbase. Already compatible with EVM standards, its testnet has attracted around 700,000 users, demonstrating strong early adoption.
Prior to this round, GTE had raised $10 million across three earlier financings, including seed and community rounds. Backers include Maven 11, Wintermute, Flow Traders, and executives from Ethena and Jump Trading—underscoring deep market-making and liquidity expertise behind the project.
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Blueprint Finance Raises $9.5M to Simplify Crypto Yield Management
Blueprint Finance, founded in 2023 by CEO Nic Roberts-Huntley, closed an $9.5 million** funding round led by Polychain Capital, with support from YZi Labs and VanEck. The company now boasts total funding of **$17 million, having previously raised $7.5 million.
Its product suite includes Concrete, a lending protocol for Ethereum-based assets, and Glow, a Solana-native lending platform. Both aim to streamline yield generation for retail and institutional investors by reducing complexity and fragmentation across chains.
The new capital will be used to expand engineering teams, enhance product features, and scale marketing efforts globally.
Veda Secures $18M to Simplify Cross-Chain DeFi Yields
Veda, a DeFi infrastructure provider, raised $18 million in a round led by CoinFund. The company focuses on abstracting the complexity of DeFi for end users by enabling developers to build simplified yield products through a modular vault framework.
Applications and institutions can integrate Veda’s tools to offer clean, user-friendly crypto yield experiences without exposing customers to the technical intricacies of staking, liquidity provision, or cross-chain arbitrage.
This round underscores growing demand for middleware solutions that make DeFi more accessible to mainstream audiences—a critical step toward mass adoption.
Gaming Sector Gains Momentum with Web3 Integration
Web3 gaming continues to attract strategic investments as developers explore sustainable tokenomics and immersive fan engagement models.
Spekter Games Raises $5M for Chat-Based Web3 Game
Spekter Games Inc. announced a $5 million pre-seed round led by a16z speedrun, with participation from London Venture Partners, BRV Capital, Chamaeleon, Accelerator Ventures, Impact46, Versus Ventures, and Alumni Ventures.
The funding supports the expansion of Spekter Agency, its first Web3 game built as a chat-based experience. The game will launch on both messaging super-apps and traditional app stores like Apple App Store and Google Play.
Additionally, resources will go toward developing the studio’s second title, indicating long-term commitment to building a multi-product gaming ecosystem rooted in community ownership and interactive storytelling.
Social & Entertainment: Token-Powered Fan Engagement
The convergence of social platforms and blockchain technology is unlocking new monetization models for creators and fans alike.
YZi Labs Invests in MEET48’s Decentralized Entertainment Vision
YZi Labs has invested in MEET48, a decentralized entertainment platform incubated under BNB Chain’s MVB (Most Valuable Builder) accelerator program. MEET48 leverages token-driven mechanisms to enhance fan interaction through virtual concerts, idol training games, and real-world events.
The investment aims to accelerate MEET48’s roadmap and enrich its Web3-native fan experience—highlighting how blockchain can transform traditional entertainment industries by giving fans ownership stakes and participatory roles.
Other Key Developments
Beyond core sectors, several significant announcements reflect broader trends in regulation, institutional adoption, and strategic capital allocation.
Niural Raises $31M for AI-Powered Global Payroll Platform
Niural, a crypto payroll and global PEO (Professional Employer Organization) platform, completed a $31 million Series A led by Marathon Management Partners. The company combines AI technology with a proprietary tax engine to streamline international hiring and compensation.
With a reported 700% year-over-year ARR growth, Niural counts Tensor, Polygon Labs, and Karate among its clients. Gokul Rajaram has joined the board following the round. Funds will be used to develop an AI-native system tailored for CFOs and expand global operations.
Kalshi Nears $100M Round at Over $1B Valuation with Paradigm Support
Compliant prediction market platform Kalshi is poised to raise $100 million** at a valuation exceeding **$1 billion, backed by Paradigm. As one of the few regulated U.S.-based platforms offering event-based derivatives, Kalshi's growth reflects increasing acceptance of blockchain-based financial instruments within legal frameworks.
Nano Labs Announces $500M Convertible Note Offering for BNB Strategic Reserve
Nano Labs (NASDAQ: NA) signed agreements to raise up to **$500 million** via convertible notes bearing no interest over 360 days. Holders may convert into Class A common stock at an initial price of $20 per share.
A key strategic goal is acquiring $1 billion worth of BNB, aiming to hold 5–10% of its circulating supply long-term—signaling strong conviction in BNB Chain’s ecosystem viability.
Digital Asset Raises $135M for Canton Network Expansion
Digital Asset, developer of the privacy-focused Canton Network, secured $135 million in strategic funding led by DRW Venture Capital and Tradeweb Markets. Participants include BNP Paribas, Circle Ventures, Citadel Securities, DTCC, Virtu Financial, and Paxos.
Canton enables regulated institutions to tokenize real-world assets (RWAs) such as bonds, funds, commodities, mortgages, and insurance products with configurable privacy settings. Major banks like Goldman Sachs and BNY Mellon are already testing use cases on the network.
Built on Daml—a powerful smart contract language—Digital Asset provides enterprises with secure, synchronized multi-party applications that maintain data integrity across complex workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What was the total amount raised in the crypto market this week?
A: Approximately $1.005 billion was raised across 16 public funding events between June 23–29, 2025.
Q: Which sectors received the most investment?
A: The primary recipients were DeFi, gaming, and infrastructure projects—with significant interest in derivatives platforms, decentralized exchanges, and real-world asset tokenization.
Q: Who led the biggest single funding round?
A: Digital Asset raised $135 million for the Canton Network—one of the largest institutional-focused blockchain raises this year.
Q: Are these investments only from crypto-native firms?
A: No. Traditional financial institutions like BNP Paribas, DTCC, Citadel Securities, and Tradeweb participated alongside crypto-native investors such as Paradigm and Polychain Capital.
Q: What role do AI and automation play in recent funding trends?
A: Projects like Niural integrate AI for tax optimization and payroll automation—showcasing growing synergy between artificial intelligence and blockchain-based financial services.
Q: Is there growing interest in regulated crypto platforms?
A: Yes. Kalshi’s upcoming $100 million round at a $1B+ valuation reflects strong investor confidence in compliant prediction markets operating within U.S. regulatory frameworks.
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